Banish those mid-season blues

Press, 26 July 1989, Page 13

Banish those mid-season blues

by

Liz Davies

Largerfeld’s navybanded pleated skirt with nautical sweater and beret, right.

This is the fashion time of year that is so difficult to survive. Many shops are having sales, and a few brave retailers are showing summer stock. Now is the time for you to stock take too! Look in the wardrobe and be firm. Anything you have not worn for two years is unlikely to become more enticing overnight. The exception to this rule is accessories, which can suddenly be fashionable after a decade or so. I have unearthed a huge evening ‘stole,’ reversible, in black and bright pink wool jersey. This year it is just right as a shawl over a plain black coat. Next, after recklessly discarding half your clothes try to plan the months ahead. What will you be doing? Is there a business trip or special holiday coming up? If you are off to the the sun, it might be worth a quick look at the sales for a swimsuit as last season’s classics will not have dated and will save you enough for a new sun hat when you get there. Are you going to the races or a wedding? Now is the time to check out your hats. It has become quite acceptable to retrim hats and wear them again, and straw hats can be re-blocked if necessary. The Princess of Wales is a good example of one who retrims as the press are quick to point out. But if a hat shape is flattering, why not stick to it and ring the changes with a new bow or flower — but this season

not a veil, or so we hear from Europe. Shoes are another good buy at this time of year. The shape sems settled for a season or so, and a classic court shoe will always be useful. Spring also brings a rash of school functions. There’s no need to be too formal for these, but a new outfit might be necessary. One look previewed for summer is the nautical theme.

Really, nautical seems to be applied to almost anything navy and white. Brass buttons as trim do give a smart sailor look, as do sailor collars in white with navy binding, and navy trimmed skirts and pockets. Blazers with piping and embroidered pockets looking smart over matching pants, or the swirling, pleated, ankleskimming skirts. French matelot striped, navy and white, long-sleeved T shirts look fabulous with white pants under a navy jacket. Butcher boy stripes in navy and white are also part of this theme. So if you have any of these treasures already in the wardrobe build an outfit round them. Fabric sales are in full swing. If you are a sewer the plain gaberdines and twill will not date as long as you choose the traditional colours. So, what might seem a housekeeping chore could be a pleasant way to fill in a wintery Sunday, and you will be ready for the spring with room in your wardrobe and a head full of ideas.